Delhi, 13 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is schedule to visit the crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, this afternoon. The flight involved had 242 passengers, including 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national, along with former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His condition is unconfirmed, with updates pending official identifications. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan promised a thorough investigation, with black box data recovery and forensic examinations already in progress, aided by DGCA and international experts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site yesterday in the evening and stated, “Air India flight AI-171 crashed, and many passengers are feared dead. The nation grieves alongside the families.” He noted that the central government was promptly informed, and rescue operations are being managed cooperatively by government agencies. The flight had 230 passengers and 12 crew members, with one survivor confirmed. The death toll will be clarified after DNA verification, with retrieval of bodies near completion. DNA samples from family members are being collected, including for those abroad, with around 1000 tests planned.

The plane carried significant fuel, leading to concerns about chances of survival due to high temperatures. Bodies will be released post-DNA testing. A review meeting covered all aspects of the incident, and the Aviation Minister has called for a swift investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar